Additional unit for pool-related platform

Abstract

There is provided an add-on unit comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate with a pool-related platform; a second communication unit configured to communicate with a computerized system; one or more additional components; a housing; and one or more adapters configured to connect the additional unit to at least one of a pool-related platform or a cable, the cable connected to the pool-related platform.

Description

Cross-references

[0001] This application claims the benefit of IL Patent Application 293045 and IL Patent Application 293048, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Background Art

[0002] Millions of pool cleaning robots have been sold in the past few years. Various pool cleaning robots have fixed hardware configurations that cannot be upgraded. For example, a pool cleaning sensor is sold with a certain set of sensors, and there is no effective way to add other sensors. For another example, some pool cleaning robots may only communicate via a cable and through an external power supply.

[0003] There is a growing need to provide effective upgrade solutions for pool cleaning robots. Summary of the invention

[0004] Additional units for pool-related platforms (PRPs) may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The subject matter of the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, the invention as to its organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 An example of an additional unit is illustrated;

[0007] Figure 2 Examples of additional units and their environments are illustrated;

[0008] Figure 3 An example of a pool cleaning robot and additional units is illustrated;

[0009] Figures 4 to 9 An example of at least a portion of a filter unit and additional units of a pool cleaning robot is illustrated;

[0010] Fig.10 Examples of floating units, pool cleaning robots, and additional units are illustrated;

[0011] Figure 11 to Figure 12 Examples of cables and additional units are illustrated;

[0012] Fig.13 is an example of a method; and

[0013] Figures 14 to 38 Examples of additional units and / or additional unit parts are illustrated.

[0014] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the size of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements. Further, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, processes and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0016] The subject matter regarded as the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the Summary of the Invention of the Specification.

[0017] The invention, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the size of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements. Further, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0019] The term "and / or" is additionally or alternatively.

[0020] The terms "control unit", "remote control device", "control device" and "mobile computer" are used interchangeably.

[0021] Any references in the specification to a pool cleaning robot shall apply mutatis mutandis to methods executable by the pool cleaning robot and computer readable media storing instructions executed by the pool cleaning robot.

[0022] Any references in the specification to mobile computers shall apply mutatis mutandis to methods executable by the mobile computers and computer readable media storing instructions executed by the mobile computers.

[0023] Any reference in the specification to a method shall apply mutatis mutandis to a pool cleaning robot and / or a mobile computer and / or a computer readable medium storing instructions that, once executed, result in the performance of the method.

[0024] Any reference in the specification to non-transitory computer readable media shall apply mutatis mutandis to a pool cleaning robot and / or mobile computer capable of executing instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable media, and shall apply mutatis mutandis to methods that may be performed by a pool cleaning robot and / or mobile computer reading instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable media.

[0025] Because the illustrated embodiments of the present invention can be implemented, for the most part, using electronic components, touch screens, and circuits known to those skilled in the art, in order to understand and appreciate the basic concepts of the present invention and in order not to obscure or distract from the teachings of the present invention, the details will not be explained to any greater extent than is deemed necessary in the above illustrations.

[0026] Any reference to a method in the specification shall apply mutatis mutandis to a system capable of performing the method and shall apply mutatis mutandis to a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions which, once executed by a computer, result in the performance of the method.

[0027] An add-on unit may be provided that may be easily installed by a user of a pool related platform (PRP). It may be plug and play installable and may not degrade PRP performance. The add-on unit may communicate (wirelessly or not) with the PRP and a remote computerized system such as a cloud computing environment. Installation of the add-on unit may not require seals / screws on the PRP and / or the add-on unit.

[0028] A PRP may be any platform that can perform operations related to pool cleaning fluids, changing chemistry, monitoring, etc. Examples of PRPs include pool robots other than PCRs, PCRs, float units, skimmers, etc. Any examples involving PCRs may apply mutatis mutandis to any other PRP.

[0029] Additional units can be used to upgrade the PRP, for example to provide more capabilities such as water quality sensing, drowning alarm, wireless communication, navigation, etc. Additional units can be configured to connect to any part of the PRP, for example to the outside or inside of the PRP, on the top or bottom or side of the PRP, to any PRP related parts (such as cables or swivels), on the motor unit, on the rear pulley, on the side wall of the filter unit, on the top of the filter unit.

[0030] The additional unit may include a power source, such as one or more batteries. The batteries may be located inside the additional unit, but may also be located outside it and may be connected to its housing. In other embodiments, the additional unit is connected to an external power source (e.g., a battery of the PRP).

[0031] The additional unit may be provided with sensors and / or other additional components configured to upgrade and / or enhance the functional capabilities and / or capabilities of the PRP. Examples of one or more additional components may include a navigation unit, a drowning detection unit, a processor (e.g., a central processing unit). The PRP may also include one or more communication units.

[0032] Figure 1 An example of an additional unit 10 is illustrated, which may include: a first wireless communication unit 11, which is configured to wirelessly communicate with a pool-related platform (PRP); a second wireless communication unit 12, which is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computerized system (such as an external power supply, a relay, a cloud computing environment, a server, a mobile phone, a control unit, a pool control system, a pool chemical controller, a fluid management system, a pump controller, a chlorinator, etc.); one or more additional components 20; a housing 13 (which may be a sealed housing or an unsealed housing); and one or more adapters (collectively represented as 30), which are configured to connect the additional unit to the pool-related platform and / or a cable, and the cable is connected to the PRP.

[0033] The first wireless communication unit 11 can communicate via a relatively short communication path (e.g., 1-40 cm), while the second wireless communication unit 12 can communicate via a longer communication path (e.g., more than 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 50, 100, 200 meters, or even longer). Any wireless communication protocol can be used, such as BLE TM ,Bluetooth TM Etc. Non-limiting examples of communication schemes are illustrated in U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63 / 265,937, filed on December 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] Figure 1 The additional unit 10 is illustrated as including a power source 14. It should be noted that the power source may be external to the additional unit and / or the additional unit may include a power transfer interface 15 for receiving power (e.g., for powering the additional unit 10 and / or for charging the power source 14). The power transfer interface may be a contactless power transfer interface (e.g., inductive charging) and / or a cable-based power transfer interface.

[0035] One or more adapters 30 may be configured to removably connect an additional unit to the PRP and / or cable.

[0036] The one or more adapters 30 may be self-attached to the PRP and / or the cable, whereby the one or more adapters may connect to the additional unit 10 without assistance from and / or modification of the PRP and / or the cable. For example, the one or more adapters may not need to be fastened to the PRP and / or the cable by screws.

[0037] The one or more adapters may be of one or more types, such as mechanical adapters and / or magnetic adapters and / or electrostatic adapters. For example, they may include one or more cable clamp adapters, one or more rotation-based adapters, one or more sliding adapters, etc.

[0038] The shape and size of one or more additional units can be designed to be attached to one or more parts of the PRP. The shapes and sizes of different additional units can be designed to be attached to different parts of the PRP. It should be noted that the shape and size of the additional unit can be designed to be attached to more than a single part of the PRP. The shape and size of the additional unit can be designed to be located inside a part of the PRP, partially inside a part of the PRP, outside a part of the PRP, etc. The PRP can be a pool cleaning robot (PCR), and non-limiting examples of parts of the PCR include a housing, a filter unit, a pump motor, a drive motor, an impeller, an inner housing of the PCR, a cleaning element of the PCR, a power supply unit of the PCR, a jet propulsion system, any other propulsion system, an electronic module of the PCR, and / or any other part of the PCR. Non-limiting examples of PCR and its parts are provided in U.S. Patents 9410338, 10533335, 10843106, 10458139, 11124982, 10858852, 10982456, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] One or more additional components 20 may be autonomously operable, may be part of a unit that is (at least) partially external to the PRP, may communicate and / or cooperate with a unit that is external to the PRP, and so on.

[0040] Non-limiting examples of one or more additional components may include one or more sensors 21 and / or one or more electronic components 22 in addition to one or more sensors, a control unit 23, one or more fluid control elements 24 for controlling parameters of the fluid of the pool (for example, one or more chemical reagents that can output for changing the chemical parameters of the fluid of the pool, such as pH level, alkalinity of the fluid, chlorine level or any other chemical parameter), etc.

[0041] The one or more sensors may be of any type and / or may be used for any purpose, for example, the one or more sensors may be chemical sensors, biological sensors, radiation-based sensors (any radiation - light, thermal radiation, infrared, near infrared), cameras, image sensors, non-image sensors, temperature sensors, acoustic sensors, passive sensors, active sensors (LIDAR, radar), mechanical sensors (vibration sensors, velocity sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes), position sensors (GPS, magnetic-based), barometers, spectrometers, etc. Purposes may include, for example, navigation, turbidity sensing, drowning detection, water quality monitoring, water quality control.

[0042] Examples of chemical and / or biological sensors for PCR are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0266131, which is incorporated herein by reference. Chemical and / or biological sensors can provide information about chlorine, total dissolved salts (TDS), turbidity, phosphate, temperature, pH, ORP, flow rate, algae, bacteria, circulating fluid flow rate in a filtration system, and any or all other physical, chemical, and biological parameters or species, etc.

[0043] One or more sensing elements of one or more sensors may be kept under specific conditions, for example, may be kept dry, wet, always wet, always dry, etc. Wetting may be completely immersed in a fluid, partially immersed in a fluid, in a humid environment, etc.

[0044] The one or more additional components may include, for example, a navigation unit 25 or at least one or more sensors belonging to a navigation unit.

[0045] The one or more additional components may comprise, for example, a drowning detection unit 26 or at least one or more sensors belonging to a drowning detection unit.

[0046] One or more additional components may include, for example, one or more mechanical moving elements 27, which are used to move at least one other component (e.g. another additional element, such as a sensor), for example, into and out of the housing 13 (e.g. for contacting a fluid and then for retreating back into the housing 13 (via a selectively covered opening of the housing)).

[0047] One or more additional components may include, for example, an output unit 28 (eg, a buoy that is detachable and connectable to an immersion element) for outputting items.

[0048] Although Figure 1One or more sensors 21, one or more electronic components 22, one or more control units 23, one or more fluid control elements 24, a navigation unit 25, a drowning detection unit 26, and one or more mechanical moving elements 27, and an output unit 28 are illustrated, but it should be noted that the additional unit may include only one, only some, or all of these one or more additional components.

[0049] Figure 2 is an example of a communication scheme between PCR 40, additional unit 10, cable 51, external power source 52, cloud computing environment 53, mobile phone 54, user 55 and fluid management system 56.

[0050] The PCR 40 communicates with an external power source (EPS) 52 via a cable 51, which in turn communicates with a cloud computing environment 53 via an EPS wireless path 63. The cloud computing environment 53 communicates with a mobile device 54 of a user 55 via a cloud-to-mobile wireless path 64. The additional unit 10 communicates with the PCR 40 via a first wireless path 61, and communicates with a mobile phone 54 and / or a fluid management system 56 via one or more wireless paths such as a second wireless path 62.

[0051] Communication may include receiving and / or sending at least one of information and / or commands and / or requests, etc. The information may include status information or other information.

[0052] Figure 3 Examples of locations of the additional unit 10 (collectively indicated as 91 - indicated by a black box) are illustrated: on the handle 41, on the top 42 of the PCR housing 43, on one or more side walls 44 (rear and / or front and / or left and / or right) of the PCR housing 43, within one or more cleaning elements (such as a brush 45) (e.g. within or around or connected to its axis of rotation), within the filter unit 71, within the pump motor 46, connected to the cable 51, connected to the swivel 47, etc.

[0053] Figure 4 There is illustrated an example of an additional unit 10 connected to a side wall of the filter unit 71. Other parts of the filter unit are not shown.

[0054] Figure 5 An example of an additional unit 10 located within the filter unit and on top of the bottom of the filter unit 71 is illustrated.

[0055] Figure 6 An example of the additional unit 10 inserted into the filter unit and connected to the side wall of the filter unit 71 is illustrated.

[0056] Figure 7 An example of an additional unit 10 connected to a cover 72 of a filter unit is illustrated. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the housing 13 of the additional unit 10 is screwed to the cover 72 (see screws 31), and there is a top adapter 32 that is screwed to the cover 72 (see screws 33). It should be noted that the connection may not use screws, for example, it may include a magnetic attachment or other mechanical adapter.

[0057] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Illustrated Figure 7 Additional unit 10 and filtering unit 71.

[0058] Fig.10 A PRP is illustrated, which is a floating unit 95 configured to provide power (e.g., from a solar panel or any other source) to the PCR 40. The floating unit 95 may include sensors and / or water control elements and / or a communication unit. The additional unit 10 is located on the side of the floating unit, but may be attached to any other part of the floating unit.

[0059] Figure 11 to Figure 12 An example of the additional unit 10 connected to the cable 51 is illustrated.

[0060] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, the additional unit 10 includes a cable opening 79 through which the cable can be inserted. There is a movable (e.g. rotatable) interface 78 which rotates about an axis 77 and is configured to allow (when in an open position, e.g. when it is relative to Fig.11 The interface (when in the closed position) can press against the cable (when inserted into the cable opening 79) and secure the additional unit to the cable.

[0061] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment, there is a cable opening 79 which can be fastened to the floating unit 401 in any manner, which opening can be moved relative to another part 402 of the additional unit, which part can include Figure 1 The other part has an opening 403 for receiving a fluid, and the float can selectively close and open the opening by changing the position of an opening closing element 404.

[0062] exist Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the additional unit 10 is illustrated as comprising an adapter such as a clamp 34 and an adapter 35 having a first part 35(1) surrounding the additional unit and a second part 35(2) connected to the clamp 34 and the first part. The clamp 34 holds the cable 71.

[0063] A method for operating an additional unit may be provided.

[0064] Fig.13An example of a method 900 for operating an additional unit is illustrated. The method 900 may include a step 910 of operating an additional unit.

[0065] Step 910 may include operating any drawing (e.g., Figures 1 to 12 and / or Figures 14 to 38 Any of the additional units and / or units and / or components (of any additional units) illustrated in any of the figures), for example, communicating, performing measurements, supplying power, receiving power, controlling any units and / or components illustrated in any of the figures, protecting sensors, maintaining sensor probes, etc.

[0066] Constant humidity (to protect the sensor)

[0067] While some examples refer to add-on units, it should be noted that add-on units are examples of sensor protection systems that may be distinct from add-on units, eg, may be a component of a PRP, may be included in a PRP when distributed to a customer, etc.

[0068] Some sensors may need to keep their sensing area moist by being immersed in a fluid or by being in a humid environment (at least with a predetermined humidity). In some cases, the sensing area may be in a dry environment, but only for a predetermined period of time (e.g., a few minutes, a few hours, etc.).

[0069] It should be noted that in some cases the sensing regions should only be kept wet when activated, so that when idle the sensing regions are not damaged by drying out, or have their own protection measures.

[0070] An additional unit may be provided, which may include one or more sensing regions for sensing one or more parameters of the fluid at least when in contact with the fluid. The additional unit may also include a protection unit configured to prevent the one or more sensing regions from being damaged due to drying.

[0071] Protection can be obtained in at least one of the following ways: a. Stopping the measurement of at least one of the one or more parameters of the fluid. b. Preventing measurement of at least one of the one or more parameters of the fluid. c. Keep one or more sensing regions in fluid and / or wet.

[0072] When a triggering event is detected, any one of measures (a), (b) or (c) may be triggered.

[0073] The protection unit may be configured to stop measuring at least one of the one or more parameters of the fluid upon detecting a triggering event indicating that completion of the measurement would introduce drying-related damage.

[0074] The protection unit may be configured to perform a protection step (eg measure (a) and / or measure (b) and / or measure (c) and / or any other measure) after detecting a triggering event.

[0075] The triggering event may be the removal of the additional unit from the fluid.

[0076] The triggering event may comprise tilting the additional unit at an angle outside of a predetermined angular range.

[0077] The detection of the triggering event may be based on an acceleration signal and / or an inclination angle signal and / or sensing the environment of the additional unit.

[0078] The additional unit may include a non-contact fluid sensor configured to sense the humidity of the environment without contacting the environment. The non-contact fluid sensor may be protected from the fluid, which may extend the life of the non-contact sensor.

[0079] The protection unit may perform any protection steps when it is sensed and / or estimated and / or determined that a damage event may occur (e.g., the sensing area may be exposed to a drying environment and / or completion of measurements will introduce drying-related damage), for example, when (the additional unit and / or a pool-related platform and / or a cable associated with the additional unit) is at least partially removed from the pool and / or when the additional unit is tilted to an extent that the additional unit can be expelled from the fluid (typically when close to or above the waterline).

[0080] The sensing and / or estimating and / or determining may use machine learning, may be based on previous events and previous sensor readings indicative of the event, may not be based on machine learning, etc.

[0081] The sensing and / or estimating and / or determining can be based on output from one or more sensors, such as an accelerometer, a tilt angle sensor (e.g., sensing when the additional unit is tilted at an angle outside of a predetermined angular range), an environmental sensor (e.g., a contact-based or contactless fluid sensor for sensing when the additional unit is removed from the pool).

[0082] Any measures (a), (b) or (c) should be completed before the damage event begins. For example, once an additional unit is removed from the pool, it may remain outside the pool for an unknown duration. Thus, for example, measure (c) should be completed before removing the additional unit from the pool.

[0083] The execution of measure (c) may require a certain period of time. Before the additional unit is taken out of the pool, measure (c) may be triggered at least for the certain period of time.

[0084] One or more sensing regions may be located within one or more spaces of the additional unit. A space may be defined by the additional unit, or may be partially defined by the additional unit.

[0085] The measure (c) may be applied for any duration (e.g. within a few seconds or minutes of the additional unit leaving the pool) and even up to long storage periods (even months) of storing the additional unit (and the pool-related platform) (e.g. in winter). Once a triggering event is detected, the protection steps may be (continuously) performed until there is an indication that they may be stopped. For example, the interior space, in which the sensing area should be kept moist, may be closed for any duration.

[0086] Regarding measure (c), it may include at least one of the following: a. Maintain at least a predetermined humidity within one or more spaces. b. Maintaining at least a predetermined amount of fluid within one or more spaces. c. Maintaining one or more sensing regions within a fluid captured within one or more spaces. d. Control the flow of fluid from one or more spaces. e. Control the flow of fluid to one or more spaces. f. Controlling the flow of fluid between the one or more spaces and the environment of the one or more spaces (which may be a location external to the additional unit) by one or more flow control elements. g. Use mechanisms to control the flow of fluids. h. Use one or more pumps to control the flow of fluid. i. Use one or more floating units to control the flow of fluid. j. Use one or more motors to control the flow of fluid. k. Controlling fluid flow through one or more fluid openings in one or more spaces. 1. Controlling the flow of fluid through one or more fluid openings using one or more movable seals, the movable seals being configured to selectively seal the one or more fluid openings. m. Using one or more fluid opening closing elements to control fluid flow through one or more fluid openings. n. Using one or more perforated slit elements to control the flow of fluid through one or more fluid openings, the one or more perforated slit elements being configured to move between (a) an open position, in which the slits of the perforated slit elements are at least partially aligned with the one or more fluid openings, and (b) a closed position, in which the slits of the perforated slit elements are not aligned with the one or more fluid openings and block the passage of fluid between one or more spaces and the environment of the one or more spaces.

[0087] The sensor protection system may include one or more adapters configured to connect the sensor protection system to at least one of a pool-associated platform or a cable connected to the pool-associated platform.

[0088] The one or more adapters may be configured to removably connect the sensor protection system to at least one of a pool-associated platform or a cable.

[0089] The one or more adapters may be self-connectable to at least one of a pool-associated platform or a cable.

[0090] The one or more adapters may include one or more cable clamp adapters.

[0091] The sensor protection system may include a power supply.

[0092] The sensor protection system may be shaped and dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into a filter unit of a pool-associated platform.

[0093] The sensor protection system may be shaped and sized to be located within a housing of a pool-associated platform and connected to a filter unit of the pool-associated platform.

[0094] The one or more sensors may include a water quality sensor.

[0095] The sensor protection system can be an add-on unit.

[0096] The sensor protection system may be different from the additional unit.

[0097] A method for operating a sensor protection system according to any of the preceding claims may be provided.

[0098] Figures 14 to 33 An example of an additional unit configured to implement at least measure (c) is illustrated. Each additional unit may apply measure (a) and / or measure (b).

[0099] Figures 14 to 33 The example includes an additional unit including one or more sensors (collectively denoted as 63) for sensing a trigger event, which may indicate that a protective measure should be taken. For example, the trigger event may indicate that a damage event may occur (for performing any of the measures (a), (b) or (c)), and the control unit 69 is used to control the additional unit (e.g., perform an estimation and / or determination that a damage event may occur and / or respond to the estimation and / or determination).

[0100] Fig.14It is illustrated that there may be a plurality (K) of sensors 61 (1)-63 (K). At least some of the sensors may be used to sense a triggering event. These sensors may include at least one accelerometer, at least one environmental sensor (e.g., a non-contact sensor for sensing the presence of a fluid), at least one tilt angle sensor, etc.

[0101] Figures 14 to 21 Two sensors are illustrated, comprising a base 64 and a sensing area 62 protected from damage due to drying. The sensing area 62 is located within a sensor interior space 66 of an additional unit having a fluid opening 67 .

[0102] exist Figures 14 to 20 In the embodiment, the protection unit includes a flow control unit, which may include a fluid opening closing unit 68, which may be moved by a moving element 65 (such as a motor, a floating unit, etc.) to selectively open or close the fluid opening 67. Figures 14 to 20 In FIG. 6 , there are four fluid openings 67 , but there may be any number of fluid openings 67 .

[0103] Figures 14 to 21 A further space 61 is also illustrated where electronics and / or other parts of the sensing unit are located.

[0104] Fig.14 The moving element 65 of each fluid opening closing unit 68 is illustrated. Figure 15 to Figure 16 A single motor element 65 is illustrated. Figures 17 to 20 Two motor elements 85 are illustrated. This may be for simplicity of explanation. The motor element may be used to control the movement of one or more fluid opening closing units. One or more fluid opening closing units may move independently of each other, or may move together.

[0105] One or more fluid opening and closing units can be moved in any manner - rotated (see Fig.11 ), linear (e.g., moving up and down - see Figures 15 to 21 )wait.

[0106] Fig.14 , Fig.16 , Fig.17 , Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The fluid opening closing unit 68 is illustrated in an open position. Fig.15 and Fig.18 The fluid opening closing unit 68 is illustrated in a closed position.

[0107] Figures 15 to 20The fluid opening closing unit 68 is illustrated as a perforated slot element having an opening 68', and when in the open position, the opening 68' is aligned with the fluid opening 67, and when in the closed position, the opening 68' is not aligned with the fluid opening 67. Figures 15 to 18 In the embodiment, the apertured element moves upward and downward.

[0108] exist Fig.19 In the embodiment, the additional unit includes a motor 17 configured to rotate a rotatable element (such as an axis), wherein a gear 63 converts the rotational movement into a z-axis movement, thereby moving the perforated element upward (when rotating in a first direction) and downward (when rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction).

[0109] exist Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the porous element is moved by the flow control unit as the floating unit 75, so that when the fluid level in the additional unit environment decreases, the fluid opening 67 is closed, and when the fluid level in the additional unit environment increases, the fluid opening 67 is opened.

[0110] Fig.21 A flow control unit is illustrated.

[0111] Fig.14 An additional unit 60 is illustrated that includes two fluid openings 67 , but there may be any number of fluid openings 67 .

[0112] One fluid opening is open. The second fluid opening is in fluid communication with the first port 761 of the pump 76 via the first fluid conduit 771. The second port 762 of the pump 76 is in fluid communication with the second fluid 772. The pump can be of any type, such as a diaphragm pump or another type of pump. The pump can draw fluid and allow the fluid to enter the sensor space, or can exhaust the fluid, or can stop the flow of fluid by sealing the flow of fluid through the pump 76.

[0113] Figures 22 to 38 Examples of additional units are illustrated, but controllers and / or sensors are not illustrated.

[0114] Figure 22 to Figure 29 An attachment unit 200 is illustrated that is configured to attach to a cable via one or more adapters, such as an attachment interface 205 and a clamp 210 .

[0115] The additional unit includes a top cover 211 (see Fig. 22 ), a protective filter 201, a perforated slot element 203 comprising a perforated slot element opening 203' which can be moved upwardly and downwardly, wherein the sensor space is at least partially defined by a perforated slot inner shell 202 having a fluid opening 202'.

[0116] In the open state, the fluid opening 202' and the apertured slot element opening 203' are aligned. Fig. 22 , Fig.23 and Fig.24 Example in.

[0117] In the closed state, the fluid opening 202' and the apertured element opening 203' are not aligned. Fig.14 , Fig.26 , Fig. 27 and Fig.28 Example in.

[0118] Fig. 22 Also illustrated is an upper portion 204 of an additional unit, Fig.24 A cross section of an additional unit is illustrated, illustrating a plurality of internal spaces (from top to bottom) 206, 207, 208, 209 of the additional unit, while one or more of the internal spaces may be sealed from each other.

[0119] Fig.25 A cross section of an additional unit is illustrated and shows the alignment between the fluid opening 202' and the apertured slot element opening 203'.

[0120] Fig.26 A motor 212 is illustrated as being located within the interior space 207 , which moves about an axis on a rotation axis, which is converted by a gear 213 into an upward or downward movement of the apertured element 203 . Fig.26 A bottom 215 of the additional unit is also illustrated.

[0121] Fig. 27 An upper port 214 of an additional unit is also illustrated.

[0122] Fig.28 Some of the spaces of the add-on unit when in the closed position are illustrated.

[0123] Fig.29 A top view of the add-on unit is illustrated, wherein the top cover 211 is removed, exposing the contactless fluid sensor, which is a capacitor having two plates 223 and 224 . Fig.29 A motor 212 and a clamp 210 are also illustrated.

[0124] Figure 30 to Figure 33 A floating unit 251 is illustrated, which is connected via a rotatable element 253 that rotates about an axis 252 to move a fluid opening closing unit included in the rotatable element, thereby selectively opening or closing a fluid opening (not shown) of the additional unit 250 .

[0125] Figures 34 to 38An example of an add-on unit is illustrated, the add-on unit comprising a functional head, a cartridge interface 340 and a removable and / or replaceable cartridge.The add-on unit may be configured to perform alkalinity measurements.

[0126] Fig.34 The functional head 310 is illustrated, and the functional head 310 connected to the cartridge interface 340 is also illustrated.

[0127] Fig.35 The functional head 310 is illustrated connected to a cartridge interface 340 which is detachably connected to a cartridge 350 .

[0128] Fig.36 is an exploded sectional view of an additional unit including a functional head 310 and a cartridge interface 340.

[0129] The box interface has an outer cover 341, a box lock 342, a top cover 343 and an interior 349, which define a first interior space and contact with the box.

[0130] The box interface 341 can also store (via another internal space) a battery pack 335 and electronic devices, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) with an antenna 334 and additional electronic devices (not shown), such as a controller for controlling the supply of fluid to a measuring cell and / or a processor for processing pH measurements.

[0131] The measurement cell (not shown) of the functional head is fluidically coupled to the cartridge via a fluid control unit, such as a peristaltic pump 332 . Fig.36 Pump sealing O-rings 321 and 333 at different ports of a peristaltic pump 332 are illustrated.

[0132] Fig.37 3 is a cross-sectional view of a functional head 310 connected to a cartridge interface 340 (having an outer cover 341) that is detachably connected to a cartridge 350. The functional head 310 includes a measurement cell 360 having an open bottom (or including at least one fluid opening for receiving the fluid of the cell) or otherwise exposed to the fluid of the cell. The measurement cell is fluidically coupled to the cartridge 350 via a fluid control unit (such as a peristaltic pump 332) or any other flow control unit capable of outputting a predetermined amount of cartridge fluid from the cartridge. Fig.36 An injection point 359 is illustrated that outputs a predetermined amount of cartridge fluid into a measurement cell 360. The cartridge fluid may be HCl acid.

[0133] The predetermined amount of cartridge fluid may undergo a diffusion process 370 or any other mixing or propagation process within the measurement cell 360 .

[0134] The predetermined amount of cartridge fluid may have a known characteristic, such as a known acidity or a known pH level.

[0135] The alkalinity of the pool fluid can be measured based on the fluid pH (measured by the pH sensor 380 of the measuring pool) before receiving a predetermined amount of box fluid (pH_before) and after receiving a predetermined amount of box fluid (pH_after) (the "after" measurement is performed after a predetermined propagation or mixing of the predetermined amount of box fluid in the fluid within the measuring pool 360 for a diffusion time period).

[0136] For example: Alkalinity (of pool fluid) = (pH_before - pH_after) * factor.

[0137] The value of the factor is known, for example based on experiments, based on measuring the concentration of the cartridge fluid within the cell, or the like.

[0138] A larger amount of HCl acid than that used for alkalinity measurement may be used to clean the pH sensor and / or for cleaning any electrodes within the measuring cell.

[0139] pH and ORP buffers can be added to calibrate the pH sensor.

[0140] Fig.38 An example of replacing a used cartridge with a new cartridge is illustrated. Removal of a used cartridge includes rotating the cartridge lock in a first rotational direction (in Fig.36 The locking of the new cassette includes rotating the cassette lock in the opposite rotational direction.

[0141] Any reference to any of "including" or "comprising" or "having" may be applied mutatis mutandis to any of "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". For example, any method may include at least the steps included in the drawings and / or description, or only the steps included in the drawings and / or description. The same applies to the pool cleaning robot and the mobile computer.

[0142] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the size of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements. Further, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0143] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0144] Furthermore, if any, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc. in the specification and claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0145] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between logic blocks are merely illustrative, and that alternative embodiments may merge logic blocks or circuit elements, or impose alternative functional decompositions on various logic blocks or circuit elements. Thus, it should be understood that the architectures depicted herein are merely exemplary, and that many other architectures may be implemented that achieve the same functionality.

[0146] Any arrangement of components that achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" so that the desired functionality is achieved. Thus, any two components combined herein to achieve a particular functionality may be considered "associated" with each other so that the desired functionality is achieved, regardless of architecture or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated may also be considered "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other so as to achieve the desired functionality.

[0147] In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between the above operations are merely illustrative. Multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations, and operations may be performed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of the operations may be changed in various other embodiments.

[0148] For another example, in one embodiment, the illustrated examples may be implemented as circuits located on a single integrated circuit or within the same device. Alternatively, these examples may be implemented as any number of separate integrated circuits or separate devices interconnected with each other in a suitable manner.

[0149] As another example, the examples or portions thereof may be implemented as physical circuits or soft or code representations of logical representations convertible into physical circuits, such as in any appropriate type of hardware description language.

[0150] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to physical devices or units implemented in non-programmable hardware, but can also be applied to programmable devices or units that can perform the desired device functions by operating according to appropriate program codes, such as mainframes, microcomputers, servers, workstations, personal computers, notebooks, personal digital assistants, electronic games, automobiles and other embedded systems, cellular phones and various other wireless devices, generally referred to as "computer systems" in this application.

[0151] However, other modifications, changes, and substitutions are possible. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0152] In the claims, any reference numerals placed in brackets shall not be interpreted as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the claims. In addition, the terms "a" or "an" as used herein are defined as one or more than one. Moreover, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be interpreted as implying that any particular claim containing the guided claim element is limited to a utility model containing only one such element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" to guide another claim element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an". The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first" and "second" are used for any distinction between the elements described by these terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate the time or other priorities of these elements, and the fact that specific measures are recorded in different claims does not indicate that the combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0153] Any system, device or apparatus referred to in this patent application includes at least one hardware component.

[0154] Although certain features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An additional unit, comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate with a pool-related platform; a second communication unit configured to communicate with the computerized system; one or more additional components; case; One or more adapters configured to connect the additional unit to at least one of the pool-associated platform or a cable connected to the pool-associated platform.

2. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more adapters are configured to connect the additional unit to the at least one of the pool-associated platform or the cable.

3. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more adapters are self-connectable to the at least one of the pool-associated platform or the cable.

4. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more adapters include one or more cable clamp adapters.

5. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is a sealed housing.

6. The add-on unit of claim 1, comprising a power supply.

7. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The additional unit is shaped and dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into the filter unit of the pool-associated platform.

8. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The additional unit is shaped and dimensioned to be located within the housing of the pool-associated platform and to be connected to the filter unit of the pool-associated platform.

9. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The additional unit is shaped and dimensioned to be located within the housing of the pool associated platform and to be connected to the motor unit of the pool associated platform.

10. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more adapters are configured to connect the additional unit to the pool-associated platform.

11. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more adapters are configured to connect the additional unit to the cable.

12. The additional unit according to claim 1, comprising a navigation unit, wherein: Additional components are sensors that belong to the navigation unit.

13. The additional unit according to claim 1, comprising a drowning detection unit, wherein: The additional element is the sensor that belongs to the drowning detection unit.

14. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: An additional element is a water quality sensor.

15. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The additional component is the image sensor.

16. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: An additional element is a microphone.

17. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: An additional element is an accelerometer.

18. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: An additional component is a temperature sensor.

19. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: An additional element is a chemical reagent dispensing unit.

20. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The additional element is a removable floating element.

21. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first communication unit is a first wireless communication unit, and the second communication unit is a wireless communication unit.

22. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more adapters are configured to removably connect the additional unit to the at least one of the pool-associated platform or the cable.

23. The additional unit according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more adapters are configured to connect the additional unit to the at least one of the pool-associated platform or the cable at one time.

24. A method for operating a parasitic unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

25. A sensor protection system, comprising: a sensing unit comprising one or more sensing regions for sensing one or more parameters of a fluid when in contact with the fluid; as well as A protection unit is configured to prevent the one or more sensing regions from being damaged due to drying.

26. The sensor protection system of claim 25, wherein: The protection unit is configured to stop measuring at least one of the one or more parameters of the fluid.

27. The sensor protection system of claim 26, wherein: The protection unit is configured to stop the measurement upon detecting a triggering event indicating that completion of the measurement would introduce drying-related damage.

28. The sensor protection system of claim 25, wherein: The protection unit is configured to perform a protection step after detecting a triggering event.

29. The sensor protection system of claim 28, wherein: The triggering event is removal of the sensor protection system from the fluid.

30. The sensor protection system of claim 28, wherein: The triggering event includes tilting the sensor protection system at an angle outside of a predetermined angular range.

31. The sensor protection system of claim 28, wherein: The detection of the triggering event is based on an acceleration signal.

32. The sensor protection system of claim 28, wherein: The detection of the triggering event is based on a tilt angle signal.

33. The sensor protection system of claim 28, wherein: The detecting of the triggering event is based on sensing an environment of the additional unit.

34. The sensor protection system of claim 33, comprising a non-contact fluid sensor configured to sense humidity of the environment without contacting the environment.

35. The sensor protection system of claim 25, wherein: The one or more sensing regions are located within one or more spaces of the additional unit.

36. The sensor protection system of claim 35, wherein: The protection unit is configured to maintain at least a predetermined humidity within the one or more spaces.

37. The sensor protection system of claim 35, wherein: The protection unit is configured to maintain at least a predetermined amount of fluid within the one or more spaces.

38. The sensor protection system of claim 35, wherein: The protection unit is configured to retain the one or more sensing regions within a fluid captured within the one or more spaces.

39. The sensor protection system of claim 35, wherein: The protection unit is configured to control the flow of fluid from the one or more spaces.

40. The sensor protection system of claim 35, wherein: The protection unit is configured to control the flow of a fluid to the one or more spaces.

41. The sensor protection system of claim 35, wherein: The protection unit includes one or more flow control elements that control the flow of fluid between the one or more spaces and the environment of the one or more spaces.

42. The sensor protection system of claim 41, wherein: The one or more flow control units include one or more pumps.

43. The sensor protection system of claim 41, wherein: The one or more flow control units include one or more floating units.

44. The sensor protection system of claim 41, wherein: The one or more flow control units include one or more motors.

45. The sensor protection system of claim 41, wherein: The one or more spaces include one or more fluid openings, and wherein the one or more flow control units are configured to control the flow of the fluid through the one or more fluid openings.

46. ​​The sensor protection system of claim 45, wherein: The one or more flow control units include one or more movable seals configured to selectively seal the one or more fluid openings.

47. The sensor protection system of claim 45, wherein: The one or more flow control units include one or more fluid opening closing elements.

48. The sensor protection system of claim 45, wherein: The one or more flow control units include one or more perforated slit elements configured to move between (a) an open position in which the slits of the perforated slit elements are at least partially aligned with the one or more fluid openings and (b) a closed position in which the slits of the perforated slit elements are not aligned with the one or more fluid openings and block the passage of fluid between the one or more spaces and the environment of the one or more spaces.

49. The sensor protection system of claim 25, comprising one or more adapters configured to connect the sensor protection system to at least one of a pool-associated platform or a cable connected to the pool-associated platform.

50. The sensor protection system of claim 49, wherein: The one or more adapters are configured to removably connect the sensor protection system to the at least one of the pool-associated platform or the cable.

51. The sensor protection system of claim 49, wherein: The one or more adapters are self-connectable to the at least one of the pool-associated platform or the cable.

52. The sensor protection system of claim 49, wherein: The one or more adapters include one or more cable clamp adapters.

53. The sensor protection system of claim 25, comprising a power source.

54. The sensor protection system of claim 25, wherein: The sensor protection system is shaped and dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into a filter unit of the pool-associated platform.

55. The sensor protection system of claim 25, wherein: The sensor protection system is shaped and dimensioned to be located within the housing of the pool-associated platform and to be connected to the filter unit of the pool-associated platform.

56. The sensor protection system of claim 25, wherein: The one or more sensors include a water quality sensor.

57. The sensor protection system according to any one of claims 25 to 56, wherein: The sensor protection system is an add-on unit.

58. The sensor protection system of any one of claims 25 to 56, wherein: The sensor protection system is different from an add-on unit.

59. A method for operating a sensor protection system according to any one of claims 25 to 56.

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